I had the premium HD oil cooler added by the dealer before I picked up my 08 Ultra. After 2k miles I have had no leaks or problems.

 

No.You will loose some when the filter is removed.
I installed mine when it was due for the oil change.

 

So basically- remove the oil filter and housing . Oil stays in case. Install cooler and fill oil back to proper levels ??

 

I installed one last weekend. Wanted to do it the previous oil change but found out after I had everything apart that you need a 7/16 hex key. It's an unusual size and can be hard to find if you don't have one. With it installation was a breeze. Except for the trip to the hardware store for new hose clamps. The ones that come with the kit are cheap. Stripped two of them when they were just starting to snug up. Weren't even close to tight yet.

As far as really needing one, depends on where you live. Up north, probably not necessary but dam sure can't hurt. If you monitor your oil temps and they never go over 220 - 230 with out a cooler,dropping it 10 degrees wont make much of a difference

 

Have had the HD premium cooler on mine since new. Now has 16K miles and never leaked. I think it helps cool about 10-20 degrees and I run Syn3 oil also. A good investment IMO.

 

I like the Jagg cooler myself. At least for the Softail, they mount it as it should be, horizontally below the V/reg. The HD one goes btwn the frame rails, blocking that much more air to the engine.

If I had a bagger with the fairings, I would absolutely run a cooler !!!
It would have to be the Jagg with the built in T/Stat.

My one experience with a cooler was on my 84 Shovelhead. It was the old fashioned Hayden. Worked great. It was too good in the winter. I had to run one of those leather covers on it, or the oil temp wouldn't go over 190. But on the Shovel, even on the hottest day, it never EVER went over 215. I know, Shovelhead/Twincam . . . apples & oranges, but the 1st thing I noticed when I changed over to the TC was WHEEEEW !!! This thing is HOT.
I have not put a cooler on either of our bikes, but prob will. They'll hit 235 on hot days. Wife's FI model hit 250 once. I've been more nervous about it since I put those temp gauge dipsticks in (last summer)

 

I installed one on my SG.
The instructions as HD usual, left a lot to be desired, but the install was easy.

 

I figure it can't hurt, not a bad install.

 

It looked like there would not be much room to get a hex wrench in there so I made a hex socket.Also wanted to use a torque wrench to tighten the adaptor.
Part off a length from a hex wrench with a grinder.Insert the hex into a 7/16 socket.Cheaper and faster than going to the store!

 

Guys be sure to protect those oil lines with something,braided covers,heater hose,anything to keep them from chaffing through.